Dear Friends,
It’s easy to rattle off this scripture in Jeremiah, but it’s another thing to really believe it. We get so focused on our circumstances and the things we evaluate as bad, wrong, or unfair, that we find it hard to believe God is in the inconvenient – but HE is there.
A hole was left when Charlie departed this earth… But God is filling in that hole with overwhelming blessing. We can loudly proclaim, without reserve “We have a hope and a future!"
Becoming intimately connected with the character of God is a journey. My grandson Zion will reach up with his little soft hand and push my chin, turning my face to make me focus on what he wants me to see, not what I’m currently looking at. He wants my full attention on what’s important to him.
I think, at times, God may have to turn our face to get us to see a different view. A view of blessing. A view that produces gratefulness. A view that includes what we know is the true character of the God of the Universe. Let me share a few things I know. I know God has a plan for each of us. I know that He is “good”. I know that He is “kind”. I know that He is “faithful”, that He doesn’t waste anything. I know that He hears our cries and dries our tears with the spirit He sends to hold our hearts together in tragedy. I know He's protective and attentive and that He wastes nothing.
I also know the vision and mission He birthed in our hearts 40 years ago remains valid and is still needed TODAY. I know “everyBODY” deserves to hear a clear message that God created each of us; that He loves each of us and has a plan and a purpose for each of us which includes a forever heavenly home – a hope the world doesn’t understand – unless they can get a clear message of the cross.
Providing that clear message comes in many forms. It may be bending down to lock eyes with a wheelchair user, taking the time to really understand the speech of a person with cerebral palsy, giving a hug of encouragement to a person with intellectual disabilities, or providing the gospel message to the blind in audio, large print, or braille. The mission and vision for ministry remains the same but we need to make sure our methods are relevant – according to the need.
You have supported this mission and vision and we dearly appreciate your partnership. Our regular email and Facebook communications provide a small glimpse into the many ways you continue to help us reach out to share the good news and "ease and enrich the lives of people with disabilities." You can access newsletter archives here
If you haven't already seen it, I encourage you to watch our 40-year Anniversary video and hear Charlie’s words from the beginning. I know it will bless your heart. You can view it HERE.
Your ongoing support makes the difference in the future of people with disabilities.
We appreciate YOU! We need YOU!
Rev. Debbie Chivers
Executive Director
